Plant Showdown: Russian Sage vs. Lavender

Updated July 2, 2026

Their fragrance travels with the breeze—Russian sage and lavender are often smelled before they're seen. Both are known for their distinct scents and alluring flowers, and both make excellent additions to a garden. However, you may be wondering which is better for you: Russian sage or lavender?

Both belong to the Lamiaceae (mint) plant family, which explains their shared aromatic foliage and similar growing conditions. Russian sage (Salvia yangii, formerly known as Perovskia) is native to Central Asia, while lavender (Lavandula) hails from the Mediterranean. Understanding this difference between Russian sage and lavender helps explain why each plant thrives under slightly different garden conditions. 

The variety you choose will depend on a few factors, so we've consulted with our plant experts to help you decide whether to plant lavender or Russian sage.

(Psst! Only have a minute to read? Click here to jump to our Lavender vs. Russian Sage Snapshot!)

Lavender vs. Russian Sage: Similarities & Differences

Both are low maintenance and tough…

Russian sage and lavender are easy to care for. Each plant flourishes when placed in locations with well-drained soil and full sun. Once established, neither needs frequent maintenance. Both are drought-tolerant once rooted, and both thrive in full sun with excellent drainage, making them well-suited for gardeners who want reliable color without a lot of upkeep.

Soil Preferences

Lavender can’t stand much water. Russian sage, however, can grow in dry-to-medium soil. And while both plants can deal with less-than-ideal soil conditions, for lavender, the poorer the quality of the soil (even sand), the better. Don't waste your nutrient-rich compost on it! 

Good drainage is the single most important factor for both plants. Lavender grows well in sandy, nutrient-poor soil and is the driest, sunniest spot performer in any garden, while Russian sage grows in slightly more forgiving conditions and can even tolerate clay soil as long as drainage is good.

Culinary and Aromatic Uses

Did you know that both can be used in foods, drinks, and perfumes?

That’s right—you can safely eat both Russian sage and lavender! It may seem a bit odd to chow down on an aromatic plant, but both are edible. Some people even batter and deep-fry these fragrant flowers. Lavender tastes great in desserts, while Russian sage is often added to more savory dishes.

Both Russian sage and lavender can also be ingredients for making perfumes, candles, essential oils, and more. They both have leaves filled with oil that, when rubbed together or broken, releases a pleasant scent. And while you can find countless products on the market that include lavender and sage, it’s both easier and more cost-effective to simply grow your own.

Some boil Russian sage to create a tea to aid an upset stomach. Lavender (even just the smell of it) has been known to help relieve stress and bring on sleep. However, at Trees, we do not provide medical advice, and it’s important to always ask your doctor before using any herb for medicinal purposes.

It's worth noting that lavender is a true culinary herb with a long history used in cooking, cosmetics, and aromatherapy. Russian sage, despite its name, is not a culinary sage and is more ornamental in its garden role, though its foliage and flowers are still edible and fragrant.

Lavender's Edge in the Kitchen

As we mentioned before, lavender buds can be used in pastries and other desserts. Its aroma and flavor are sweeter than that of the Russian sage, which has a more earthy, herbaceous taste. It’s also a more distinct flavor, whereas Russian sage may not be as detectable in dishes. French lavender and English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) are among the most popular types of lavender used in cooking, with English lavender generally considered the best culinary choice for its clean, sweet flavor.

Bloom Color and Landscape Appeal

Lavender and Russian sage will deliver plentiful drifts of violet color, and they’re the ideal accent plant for nearly every sunny landscape. They both add color and texture, and each one can fit a variety of styles, from cottage and Mediterranean gardens to contemporary and desert aesthetics. Their silvery, gray-green foliage creates a soft, airy look even when not in bloom, and bees love both plants, making them excellent choices for pollinator-friendly gardens.

Bloom Timing

Here's one of the most useful differences between the two plants: lavender blooms in late spring and early summer, while Russian sage blooms from late summer through early fall. Planting both means your garden gets season-long color from spring all the way to frost, with flower spikes carrying shades of purple across the full growing season.

These long-flowering perennials bloom from mid-summer through early fall. Their vivid purple-blue blooms will give you incredible fragrance and abundant foliage for months on end. Their flowers also differ from lavender because they’re spiked and grow further down the stalk.

Which Plant Should You Choose?

With each plant offering a long list of benefits, it may be hard to decide which one is the right fit. You can’t go wrong with either Lavender or Russian sage, as both will provide stunning, easy-to-care-for accents in gardens, along pathways, or when arranged as rows of hedges.

Still on the fence? Keep in mind that you don't necessarily have to choose just one. Many gardeners treat lavender as an annual in colder or wetter climates and replant each spring, while Russian sage reliably returns in zones 4-9 as a hardy perennial. Growing both is a smart way to enjoy the best of each plant family across the full season.

For Wetter, More Dynamic Climates: Russian Sage

If you live in a climate with frequent temperature changes and more moisture, Russian sage plants may be the best choice. Russian sage grows into a bushy, upright plant with tall stems and silvery foliage, and it makes Russian sage particularly valuable in climates where lavender struggles to survive winter. 

The striking, sturdy foliage will usher in early spring with plenty of vibrant color and visits from pollinators. To keep plants tidy, prune Russian sage back hard in early spring before new growth emerges, and deadhead during the season to encourage continued blooming.Below, we’ve summarized a few types of Russian sage you may consider:

Russian Sage

A vigorous grower, the original Russian sage is both resilient and beautiful. Watch it spread effortlessly in zones 4 through 9 outdoors, all while its clusters of sturdy blooms enchant spaces of any size.

Better Versions® CrazyBlue Russian Sage Plant

CrazyBlue grows in zones 3 through 9 outdoors and stands out for its silvery-blue foliage and sturdy, upright stems that hold their shape all season without flopping. Recognized as a Colorado State University Top Performer in 2021, this variety is a smart pick for gardeners who want Russian sage's airy texture with extra structure built in.

For Hot, Dry Climates and Poor Soil: Lavender

If you live in drier, warmer areas, consider planting lavender. Lavender grows well even through drought or in desert sand, and lavender's hardiness in poor soil makes it one of the most reliable ornamental plants for hot, dry regions. Furthermore, they flourish in even the poorest soil (so even if nothing else grows around you, lavender will!). If you want to plant Russian sage instead and live in a hot climate, it will also perform well, though lavender's tolerance for the driest and sunniest conditions gives it a slight edge in zones 7 and above.

There are several types of lavender worth knowing before you choose Russian sage or lavender for your garden. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most cold-hardy and best for cooking. French lavender is more heat-tolerant. Spanish lavender is recognized by its distinctive petal "ears" and does well in warmer climates. Each cultivar has slightly different hardiness and growing conditions, so choose based on your zone and intended use.

Phenomenal™ Lavender Plant

A best-selling plant, the Phenomenal Lavender lives up to its name. A remarkable bloomer that delivers stunning color, second to none. This variety performs best in outdoor growing zones 5 through 9, and it's the perfect start to your lavender collection.

Sensational™ Lavender Plant

This lavender variety is known for its fuller flowers and more compact growing style. The Sensational does well in zones 5 through 9 outdoors, and thrives in even the harshest sunlight.

Hidcote Purple Lavender Plant

The Hidcote Purple Lavender offers the flawless combination of brilliant color and sweet fragrance. This plant variety is most often found in outdoor zones 5 through 8, preferring not to live in extreme heat or cold.

Better Versions® SuperBlue English Lavender Plant

This English lavender variety stands out for its deep blue blooms and fuller, more compact flower spikes. The SuperBlue grows in zones 5 through 8 outdoors and brings exceptional winter hardiness along with reliable color all season long, making it a great fit for borders, containers, or low hedges.

Lavender or Russian Sage: Which Is Better?

That’s an impossible question to answer! Both have their strengths and, to be honest, very few weaknesses. The best way to decide between Russian sage and lavender is to look at where you live:

• Is there a lot of moisture?

• How nutrient-rich is the soil?

• Do you experience all four seasons?

Gardeners in wetter, colder regions will find Russian sage the more reliable perennial, while those in hot and dry climates will find lavender grows with almost no effort. If you're still unsure which is the right plant for your yard, consider your drainage, your zone, and how much sun your planting area receives.

But no matter what you plant, both Russian sage and lavender will bring you fragrance, utility, and beauty every summer!

Lavender vs. Russian Sage Snapshot